Saturday, July 20, 2013

Advice for Boys

I read this blog, and I have grown a deep respect for the writer's advice.  Here is such a short, practical list on her blog today I have to post it for my memory.  She's a mom of 8 boys and 1 girl, if I remember correctly (homeschooled them all, of course...wow).  http://www.ordo-amoris.com/2013/07/circe-handout-3-quick-guide-to.html

The 'let him drive' point is interesting.  This is the rub between Owen and I.  I always think that I will adjust behavior problems by taking away what I perceive as excessive autonomy or freedom that is making him big in his britches.  But it's a delicate dance to figure out when to actually give more of the wheel to ease the tension over who's in control.  I've never been a good dancer.


Quick Guide to Parenting Boys

Their Identity is tied to the questions:

Am I man enough?

Am I up to the challenge? 

Solutions:

Sleep
Exercise (including team sports)
Hard Work
Fresh air and Sunshine

Mothers and Sons:

The DO NOTS:

Do not nag
Do not moralize/spiritualize
Do not make it personal
Do not remove challenges from your son’s life.

The Dos:

Be a Strong Woman (Contemplate the word ‘impervious’)
Teach your son to laugh at himself
Let him fail
Give him responsibility
Need him
Provide challenges
Listen to him/Let him drive
Pray for him
Respect him.

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